National Health Center Week 2020 Starts August 9th!

There’s a bright week ahead for America’s community health centers (also referred to as Federally Qualified Health Centers, or FQHCs). National Health Center Week (NHCW) is a week-long celebration recognizing the value CHCs provide to communities in the U.S. This year, we’re also shining light on the resiliency CHCs and their workers have shown in an uncertain time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CHCs have faced the loss of lives in their communities, as well as undependable funding that has left many uncertain about the future. During this time, however, CHCs have also demonstrated an impeccable level of adaptability in order to continue to provide services.

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) has announced this year’s theme is “Lighting the Way for Healthier Communities Today and in The Future.” CHCs are beacons of hope for millions of underserved patients. Patients can go to a CHC with confidence knowing they’ll get the care they need, regardless of their ability to pay.

Certintell strives to close the care gaps in health care access and applaud CHCs for the work they do in tandem. For NHCW, we encourage everyone to get involved to shine light on the necessity for CHCs in America.

FOCUS DAYS:

Throughout the week, there will be different focus days, dedicated to raising awareness for certain initiatives. Certintell has educational articles for each day for you to share and raise your own awareness within your inner circles. Click on each to learn more.

Sunday 8/9: Public Health in Housing Day – “Social Determinants of Health: How Race Influences Housing and Health Care”

Monday 8/10: Healthcare for the Homeless Day – “Mobile Health Care for the Homeless”

Tuesday 8/11: Agricultural Worker Health Day – “Serving Ag Workers Virtually”

Wednesday 8/12: Patient Appreciation Day – “Appreciating Patient-Centered Care”

Thursday 8/13: Stakeholder Appreciation Day – “Advocate for Health Care Access”

Friday 8/14: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day – “Recognizing FQHC Champions”

Saturday 8/15: Children’s Health Day – “Next Generation’s Community Leaders”

In-person events are normally a great way to promote awareness for National Health Center Week; this year, consider making your event virtual. The conversation doesn’t have to stop, especially when we’re all connected now more than ever. Other great ways to get involved are writing a press release, a letter to the editor in your local newspaper or sharing the spirit of celebration and resiliency on social media. Specific hashtags that can be used in support of the week’s mission are #ValueCHCs, #NHCW20 and our own, #ClosingTheCareGap.

In honor of this week, we also wanted to shine light on the perseverance and dedication CHCs demonstrate. We asked a few clinics to share their struggles and triumphs from the past year for a chance to receive $300 for their NHCW20 event. Congratulations and special thanks to the following scholarship recipients for spotlighting what health centers do best: thrive under pressure.